Supporters decked out in the club’s amber and black colours gathered in the town centre despite only having three hours’ notice.

And as the team bus snaked through the narrow streets delirious fans cheered their heroes home.

Delighted chairman Ken Beattie was mobbed by supporters singing his name as he stepped off the coach and lifted the trophy.

He said: “It is unbelievable. It’s something special for the town of Morpeth and has really captured people’s imagination. All the hard work of so many people has paid off.

“Donny Carmen put 40 years into this club but sadly died recently. His widow will be so happy to see all of this going on and all of the celebrations. It has been fantastic for the players, seeing all of the fans asking for pictures and autographs, they deserve it all.

“And after all the floods the town had to put up with, this is something special.”

Morpeth Town FC return home with the FA Vase (Image: Simon Greener)

Around a quarter of Morpeth’s 16,000 population made the journey down to Wembley to watch the Highwaymen come from behind to win the cup.

Despite conceding an early goal, Chris Swailes, Luke Carr, Sean Taylor and Shaun Bell got themselves on the score sheet to ensure the FA Vase returns to the North East for the seventh time in eight years.

Joint manager Nick Gray said: “It’s fantastic, absolutely fantastic. Everyone in the town got right behind us and supported us so it is brilliant for the town and has really put its name on the map.

“Winning at Wembley was a dream come true. You always wish your dreams come true and that’s what happened for all of us yesterday.”

Fan Bave Buggle, 37, made the journey down to Wembley.

She said: “It’s just amazing. My son said it was the best day of his life, the atmosphere was fantastic. And today has been fab, it’s an occasion for everyone connected with the town of Morpeth to be proud.”